Sky+ iPad app update turns your Apple tablet into a remote control

Broadcasting giant Sky has released an update for its hugely popular Sky+ iPad application that will see users’ Apple tablets turned into a remote control in time for the new 2012/2013 Premier League football season.

Available to download now via the iTunes based Apple App Store, the latest updates to the Sky+ app for iPad will see Sky subscribers able to download the application free of charge, using the touchscreen interface of their Google Nexus 7 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 rival to change channels as well as pause, play and rewind live TV.

Being introduced just days ahead of the new football season, iPad-toting Sky+ subscribers will be able to do away with their dedicated Sky remotes, instead using the Apple iPad and a selection of swipe controls and on-screen buttons to go back and re-watch any part of the action.

Further improving the remote Sky+ service, the update will also see app owners able to manage their Sky planner direct from their tablets with users able to add and delete recordings stored on their Sky HD set-top box. What’s more, this full array of new functionality is available without interrupting the content being viewed on the main TV.

Creating a more intuitive user experience whilst helping to combat the troubles of dedicated remote controls lost behind the back of the sofa, Sky has suggested the latest updates are the first in a long line of improvements set to be brought to the service later this year.

“We’re now taking the Sky experience one step further, handing our customers even more control over their planner - not to mention being able to use the app to change channel and play, pause and rewind their favourite TV.” Sky’s Brand Director of TV Products, Luke Bradley said.

He added: “Today’s update marks a major step forward in using mobile apps to make the Sky TV experience even better, and it’s just the start, as we’ll be following it up with a series of further enhancements later this year.”

Teasing the upcoming add-ons, Sky has revealed that its iPad app will be further enhanced by “the integration of second screen functionality,” later this year as well as building on the company’s recent partnership with zeebox.

Are you a Sky+ subscriber, what would you like to see the broadcasting behemoth introduce to its expansive collection of iOS and Android applications? Let us know via the Trusted Reviews Twitter and Facebook feeds.